Former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi defends show against ‘woke’ criticism

EntertainmentOpinion
27 Apr 2026 • 2:34 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Peter Capaldi, who portrayed the Twelfth Doctor from 2014 to 2017, addressed the online criticism directed at his successors, Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa.
  • Capaldi dismissed suggestions that Doctor Who had become overly “woke”, stating that the show 'reflects its times' and questioned why people take it “so seriously”.
  • Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor (2017-2022), expressed profound pride in her role, remarking that a woman should have been cast as the Doctor much earlier in the series' history.
  • Whittaker also clarified that she did not consciously play the role “as a woman”, but rather focused on embodying the character of the Doctor.
  • Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black actor to lead the series (2023-2025), disclosed that the role was physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding, contributing to his decision to leave, though he did not rule out a potential return.

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